Red Heart Candy Pickles
Sweet and tangy red heart candy pickles boast vibrant color and spicy cinnamon flavor, perfect for holiday gifts or adding a colorful twist to your condiment collection.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix lime and enough water to cover the cucumbers.
- Let stand 24 hours.
- Drain and rinse in cold water until clear.
- Drain.
- Mix red food coloring, white vinegar, and water to cover the cucumbers.
- Simmer for 2 hours.
- Drain.
- Mix remaining ingredients.
- Bring to a boil, pour over pickles, and let stand for 3 days, stirring occasionally.
- Put in a kettle and bring to a boil.
- Pack in hot jars.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding additional spices like cloves or allspice to the pickling mixture. If you're short on time, you can skip the soaking step with lime, but this may affect the texture. For a healthier alternative, try using less sugar or substituting with a natural sweetener. Ensure cucumbers are fresh for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
These vibrant pickles make a delightful addition to charcuterie boards or can be served alongside sandwiches for a sweet and tangy crunch. They pair beautifully with the Royal Cocktail or can be used as a garnish for festive salads. For a fun twist, chop them and mix into a creamy dip for parties.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Red Heart Candy Pickles in a cool, dark place, ideally in the refrigerator after opening. They can last for several months if properly sealed. To enjoy them later, simply pull out a jar and serve them cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating as these pickles are best enjoyed chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Heart Candy Pickles contains roughly 481 calories, with 7g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do if the pickles are too soft?
If your pickles turn out too soft, ensure they were soaked in pickling lime long enough during the initial steps. For future batches, consider using firmer cucumbers and reducing cooking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).